TMD - Attorney II-III

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED ONLINE THROUGH CAPPS RECRUIT AT:
https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=00049532

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS:
Applicants may submit applications through Work In Texas (WIT), however, applicants must complete the supplemental questions in CAPPS Recruit to be considered for the position. In order to complete the supplemental questions, please register and/or login to CAPPS Recruit and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In (Link: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en)

Your job application must be complete and thorough including responding to all the supplemental questions. Your application must contain complete job histories, which includes job titles, dates of employment, name of employer and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

NOTES TO THE APPLICANT:

TMD State Employees support the Texas Military Department by delivering critical services that enable the agency to meet its strategic goals. Your work will contribute to the support we offer our Texas National Guard members, thereby multiplying their capability to serve at home and abroad as missions dictate. The Texas Military Department provides a benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Health insurance benefits (employee premiums are covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Optional Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance at competitive rates
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and State and Federal holidays
• Defined benefit retirement structure known as a cash balance benefit, with a state match equal to 150% of the account balance at retirement and guaranteed earnings of at least 4% annually
• Additional voluntary retirement savings programs (Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 programs)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Potential for modified work schedules including flex, compressed, or telework (position dependent)
• Free access to Camp Mabry Museum and historical structures
• Robust free training access through Texas Military Department’s Web-Based Learning Program
• Expansive Employee Assistance Program and complimentary counseling services
• Employee Wellness and Physical Fitness Programs

Military membership is not required for this position.

ABOUT US:

Our Agency: The Texas Military Department (TMD) is commanded by The Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (State & Federal Civilian Employees), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG).

Our Vision: America’s premier state military organization comprised of professional mission-ready forces, fully engaged with our communities, and relevant through the 21st century.

Our Mission: Provide the Governor and the President with ready forces in support of state and federal authorities at home and abroad.

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY

ATTORNEY II:

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) attorney work for the Texas Military Department (TMD). Work involves planning and organizing legal work, interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, and rendering legal advice and counsel. This role involves assisting in preparing cases for hearings and trials. Reports to the TMD General Counsel and works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ATTORNEY III:

Performs highly complex (senior-level) legal work for the Texas Military Department (TMD). Work involves planning and organizing legal work, interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, and rendering legal advice and counsel. This role involves assisting in the preparation of cases for hearings and trials, reviewing Open Records requests, and preparing legal documents for the Office of the Attorney General. Reports to the TMD General Counsel and works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WORK HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ATTORNEY II:

• Advises state and military management on programs and issues involving legal risks.
• Provides advice on the legal implication of policy decisions.
• Keeps management updated on pertinent legal issues affecting civilian and military personnel.
• Assists with representing TMD in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General on administrative and civil actions involving the agency.
• Researches points of law involved in hearings to assess the validity and completeness of cases cited.
• Prepares legal documents, including but not limited to, memoranda, legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals, and reports.
• May assist with research for policy and process questions.
• Provides legal guidance to the staff on the development, interpretation, and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws.
• Coordinates legal opinions and communications with the State Judge Advocate General/ General Counsel’s Office.
• Responds to Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in coordination with the TPIA/FOIA Officer.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable agency, state and federal rules, regulations and procedures.
• Assists in conducting administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings.
• Assists in preparing cases for court trial and represents the agency in court when necessary.
• Administers the agency’s records and information management program and serves as the agency’s centralized point of contact for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
• Advises on record retention matters.
• May investigate alleged law violations and prepares reports of findings.
• May assist in drafting, negotiating and reviewing contracts and related documents.
• May draft or assist in drafting legislative bills, administrative rules, and amendments, for legislative consideration.
• May provide or coordinate training.
• Attends various meetings and other events as requested.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency state employee policies & procedures handbook.
• May be required to perform duty in support of national emergencies, disasters and other missions, to include holidays and weekends.

ATTORNEY III:

• Advises state and military management on programs and issues involving legal risks.
• Provides high-level advice on the legal implications of policy decisions and keeps management informed on pertinent legal issues affecting civilian and military personnel.
• Represents TMD in collaboration with the Office of Attorney General on administrative and civil actions involving the agency.
• Conducts thorough legal research on points of law involved in hearings to assess the validity and completeness of cases cited.
• Prepares and drafts comprehensive legal documents, including, but not limited to, memoranda, legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals, and other reports.
• Provides expert legal research and analysis for policy and process questions.
• Advises staff on legal matters, and on the development, interpretation, and application of agency regulations, as well as state and federal laws.
• Drafts detailed legal opinions and provides strategic counsel to senior leadership.
• Drafts and reviews responses to Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests in coordination with the TPIA/FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Officer.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable agency, state and federal rules, regulations and procedures.
• Conducts administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings, representing the agency as needed.
• Prepares cases for court trial and for representing the agency in matters before court as appropriate.
• Administers the agency’s records and information management program, serving as the agency’s centralized point of contact for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
• Provides expert advice on record retention matters.
• Investigates alleged law violations and prepares comprehensive reports of findings, with recommendations for action.
• Serves as agency representative in administrative hearings.
• Assists in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts and related legal documents.
• Drafts bills and amendments for legislative consideration.
• Drafts, reviews, and revises administrative rules, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
• Serves as a liaison with complainants to be represented in an administrative hearing or with their authorized representatives.
• Provides and coordinate trainings.
• Attends various meetings as requested.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency state employee policies & procedures handbook.
• May be required to perform duty in support of national emergencies, disasters and other missions, to include holidays and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

EDUCATION:

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is required.

EXPERIENCE:

ATTORNEY II:

• A minimum of four (4) years of full-time experience in legal work is required.

ATTORNEY II:

• A minimum of five (5) years of full-time experience in legal work is required.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity with the Texas Public Information Act is preferred.
• Experience working in a military environment for at least four years is preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE:

• Must possess a license to practice law in the state of Texas.
• Valid driver’s license is required. *If not currently a Texas resident, must obtain a Texas Driver's License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident. A satisfactory driving record is required for operating state or personal vehicles to conduct agency business.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Background Investigation. Selected candidate must pass federal security background investigation. The process includes a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and fingerprinting. New employees must complete and sign the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Form SF85. Completed forms are submitted to the OPM for the background investigations.
• Eligibility to Work in the U.S. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all new employees to present proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) days of being hired. The Texas Military Department participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate having and maintaining legal authorization to work in the United States. Failure to present such authorization within the time specified by the U.S. Department of Labor will result in the offer being rescinded.
• Sponsorship. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
• Upon hire with the State of Texas, males between the ages of 18 through 25 must provide proof of registration or exemption with the Selective Service. For further information, visit the Selective Service website at https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfVerification.aspx.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• legal principles, practices, proceedings and laws
• regulations and rules related to the agency
• the Texas Public Information Act
• military culture and structure

Skill in:

• legal research, writing, and analysis
• using computer and applicable software
• using reasoning and logic
• identifying and solving complex problems
• prioritizing workloads
• in using judgment to identify courses of action

Ability to:

• conduct hearings
• prepare opinions and briefs
• prepare cases for trial
• conduct research
• summarize findings
• interpret and apply laws
• use legal reference materials
• communicate effectively
• ability to work in a military environment

PHYSICAL/WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed in a sedentary office setting involving sitting, standing and moving about inside the office and travel to other buildings or work sites, to perform jobs duties. Work requires extensive use of a personal computer and telephone. This position may periodically require the ability to lift, carry, move and/or set up equipment and materials that weigh up to 10 pounds.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

If you qualify for a Military Employment Preference, it is mandatory that you provide the required documentation at the time of applying. Documentation must be provided before a Military Employment Preference can be granted.

Currently Serving U.S. Armed Forces or Texas National Guard - Statement of service memo

Veteran – DD Form 214 (or Equivalent)

Disabled Veteran - VA Civil Service Preference Letter

Spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces or Texas National Guard serving on active-duty – Marriage certificate and verification of duty status (active-duty orders, PCS orders, statement of service)

Spouse of a veteran if the spouse is the primary source of income for the household and the veteran has a total disability rating based either on having a service-connected disability with a disability rating of at least 70 percent or on individual unemployability – Marriage certificate, VA Civil Service Preference Letter indicating disability rating, and documentary proof of income

Surviving Spouse of a Veteran who has not remarried - Marriage certificate and DD Form 1300

Orphan of a Veteran who was killed during active duty – Birth Certificate and DD Form 1300

VETERANS:

Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets.

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the following fields or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply:

United States Army: 27A Army Judge Advocate General's Corps Attorney

United States Navy: 250X SC - Judge Advocate General Corps

United States Coast Guard: LGL10 Legal

United States Marine Corps: 4402 Judge Advocate

United States Air Force: 51JX Judge Advocate

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf

Contact TMD’s Veteran's Liaison, Paul Love if you have questions at (512)782-3836 or staffingHR@military.texas.gov

The Texas Military Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, genetic information, or status as an individual with a disability or protected veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.